Family and friends say goodbye to "beautiful" mum-to-be and baby daughter

FAMILY and friends fought back tears as they said their goodbyes to “beautiful” mum-to-be Sophie Williams and her baby daughter Kayleigh, who died in a car crash.

Extra seats had to be put out for the hundreds of people who arrived at St George’s Church in Tredegar for her funeral today, some sitting in the gallery with still more standing at the back.

Reverend Martin Evans spoke of the tragedy which claimed 20-year-old Sophie’s life when she was eight-and-half months pregnant with her second daughter Kayleigh, telling the congregation that “without doubt the question in many people’s minds is why this has happened” but asking them to put their faith in God.

Family began their memorial service with prayers at the family home in Blackrock, Clydach North, before going on foot behind the hearse through the village and then boarding the funeral limousine.

As Sophie and Kayleigh’s oak casket was carried in the whole church stood before singing ‘Morning Has Broken’.

Tania Price, Sophie’s cousin, who said she also thought of her as a “sister and friend”, told the church she would always remind Sophie’s daughter Mia of how much she was loved.

She wept as she read out to those assembled: “We have all watched Sophie bloom into a beautiful young woman and mother. She was such a good person, both inside and out, with a heart of gold. Until we meet again, the memories of you will keep me going through this very sad time. Sleep well my beautiful, now you’re set free.”

Sophie’s mother Maria Williams composed a poem called ‘My Memory Rose’ which was read to the church, ending with a promise to treasure “memories until the end of time, of a wonderful daughter I am proud was mine.”

Rev Evans read out words written by family imagining what Sophie, who had recently become engaged to her partner and the father of her children, Ben Morgan, would say to her grandmother if she could, including the moving lines: “Nan, I’m sorry for leaving you so soon. God saw that I was getting tired, so he put his arms around me and whispered, ‘Come with me’. I know we’ll meet again, but until then I will be your guardian angel looking over you.”

“Heaven’s got another angel” by Karen Halabura played as Sophie and Kayleigh were carried out of the church, followed by crowds wiping away tears.

The family thanked the emergency services, Nevill Hall Hospital, funeral director Julian Tapping and the communities of Tredegar and Waundeg who came together to support them at such a devastating time, saying “your kindness has overwhelmed us” in the order of service.

Comments

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here